Meet Karla Carranza, Candidate For Los Angeles County Sheriff

LOS ANGELES, CA — Karla Carranza, 46, is vying to be elected as the Los Angeles County sheriff.

In the June 2 primary, incumbent Sheriff Robert Luna is facing seven challengers: Carranza, Eric Strong, Oscar Antonio Martinez, Brendan Corbett, Mike Bornman, André N. White and Alex Villanueva.

Learn more about Carranza's goals for Los Angeles County:

What is your educational background?

I attended public schools in LA County. I graduated with an associate degree in administration of justice from East Los Angeles Community College. I graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in family & consumer sciences: child development & family studies from Cal State University, Long Beach.

What is your professional background?

I began my career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 2005 as a deputy sheriff. I worked the LA County jails and later patrolled various areas in LA County.

I am currently an active sergeant with LASD. I have a Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificates, with approximately 21 years of law enforcement experience.

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

What are the top three public safety challenges the next sheriff of Los Angeles County will need to address?

Restoring public confidence in public safety by being a strong and decisive leader who will bring real accountability and a clear commitment to protecting our residents through community policing.

Rebuilding our ranks with the right people to fill the massive personnel gaps left by the prior administrations. Recruit and retain qualified candidates who bring education, experience and integrity to the job.

LASD needs modernization in almost everything. Men’s Central Jail needs to be replaced with a modern jail. A lack of investment has left deputies without the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I will modernize technology across the department: upgrading vehicles, equipment, and computer systems, and implementing automation in jails, staff scheduling, and emergency response. I will also ensure deputies have access to appropriate less-lethal tools to protect both themselves and the public.

How should the Sheriff’s Department handle use-of-force incidents, and what changes, if any, would you make to current policies or oversight?

Personnel will be trained in the Use of Force Policy and de-escalation techniques. There will be zero tolerance for excessive force or abuse of authority. Use of force must be objectively reasonable, necessary and proportionate to the circumstances. All use-of-force incidents will be reviewed to ensure compliance with department policies and procedures, and the law. The use of body-worn cameras, and lawful dispersal orders are necessary preceding enforcement actions during declared unlawful protest. Clear communication is essential in all circumstances.

Deputies will prioritize de-escalation whenever it is safe and feasible, with force employed only as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted or are unsafe. Supervisory oversight will be immediate in such incidents and investigated. All death-related incidents will be investigated internally and externally. I am committed to transparency, accountability, and thorough internal investigations.

How should the Sheriff’s Department respond to calls involving mental health crises or homelessness, and what role should deputies play?

Ensuring dispatchers are trained and gather important information involving a mental health crisis call and relay all appropriate measures to the responding personnel, preferably the Mental Health Team (MET) which comprises of a deputy and licensed clinical social worker. If a crime has been committed, then that has to be addressed.

In reference to homelessness, if a crime has been committed, then the crime has to be addressed and the person committing the crime has to be held accountable for their actions. Otherwise, deputies will be there to speak with the homeless person and provide information on shelters and other support networks to get them assistance and track the networks tasked with providing services to the homeless.

What changes, if any, would you make to improve conditions and safety in county jails, including for both inmates and staff?

I would request more medical staff to work inside the jails to make the screening processing quicker for inmates. I would also create the Life Improvement Plan Program which will serve to connect inmates to jobs and shelter, alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs to go to when they are released. I would seek the input from both the inmates and staff on how operations could be better.

However, those are temporary solutions, the long-term solution for the inmates and staff in Men’s Central Jail is that it must be replaced with a modern, state-of-the-art facility. Given the volume of violent crime and the size of Los Angeles County, maintaining a centralized jail system is both practical and necessary for effective public safety operations.

Had the Board of Supervisors moved forward with construction plans years ago; we would not be confronting these same longstanding challenges today. As the governing body responsible for budgetary authority, the Board of Supervisors plays a critical role in determining whether meaningful progress is made. It is important for the public to understand that without decisive action to replace Men’s Central Jail, existing conditions will persist and operational pressures will continue to grow.

Do you believe deputy gangs, cliques or other formal or informal groups are a problem within the Sheriff's Department today? If so, what additional steps are needed to address them?

The LA County Office of Inspector General (OIG) February 26, 2026 report discussed current deputy gangs, stating “no such group has been identified” according to the current Sheriff’s Administration. I will uphold a zero-tolerance stance on deputy gangs.

Existing laws and policies are clear. Unlawful or unethical group conduct incompatible with our mission, our values, and the public trust we are sworn to protect, will not be acceptable.

Cliques and subgroups remain a concern. Improvement is needed to ensure all personnel practices, particularly promotions, are grounded in fairness, merit, and demonstrated ability.

I will implement blind application screening processes to ensure candidates are evaluated solely on their qualifications. Advancement will not be influenced by station affiliation or informal identifiers, but by performance, professionalism, and leadership.

Why are you a better choice than your opponents?

I have proudly served with the LASD for over 20 years, developing operational knowledge, leadership capability, and practical understanding necessary to serve effectively as Sheriff. I have worked on a wide range of assignments, gaining a comprehensive perspective on its mission, challenges, and organizational needs.

Understanding the operational and administrative demands of LASD and aligning resources to meet public safety priorities. I am well-respected in the department, bringing a steady temperament and a strong work ethic. As both a sergeant and a mother, I am grounded in responsibility, accountability, and the importance of protecting our communities. The Sheriff’s Department requires a stable, mentally and physically fit leader, able to make decisions and work well with others.